SUCCESSFUL CUSTOMS WORKSHOP CONCLUDES

UNCLAS MUSCAT 000246

SIPDIS

SIPDIS

STATE FOR NEA/ARP, NEA/PI
COMMERCE FOR CLDP MTALAAT AND ITA COBERG
ABU DHABI FOR MHOPKINS

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: ECON ETRD PREL MU
SUBJECT: SUCCESSFUL CUSTOMS WORKSHOP CONCLUDES


1. The U.S. Commercial Law Development Program (CLDP),in
association with the U.S. Customs and Border Protection
(CBP),staged a successful MEPI-funded U.S.-Oman Free Trade
Agreement (FTA) workshop for customs officials from the Royal
Oman Police (ROP). The workshop, part of a technical
assistance program designed to assist customs officials in
better understanding their obligations in advance of
implementation of the FTA, ran from March 3-7 in Muscat.
Twenty-five participants attended the event, which focused on
issues related to advance rulings, rules of origin
requirements, administration of claims, and express delivery
shipments.


2. In his welcoming remarks to participants, the Ambassador
highlighted the importance of streamlined, transparent
customs procedures in promoting bilateral trade between Oman
and the U.S. He also underscored the collaborative efforts
underway between the USG and the ROP's customs division in
promoting the security of global trade, including Oman's
participation in the Container Security Initiative, the
Megaports Initiative, and other export-related border
security efforts.


3. Comment: The workshop was well-received by the ROP and
provided a much-needed baseline for Omani officials in
addressing the changes that will need to be made in order to
meet FTA requirements. Embassy supports additional training
opportunities for Omani customs officials, to include a
possible rules of origin workshop pertaining to textiles and
a program for officials to visit CBP facilities in the United
States. End Comment.
GRAPPO